Tour Description

Ancient Egypt Discovery 2024

Small Group Tour (minimum 2 / maximum 16)

13 Days ex Cairo

2024 Departure Date :
Friday 06 September

Explore Egypt’s ancient history in all its glory, from the golden treasures of the Pharoahs to the colossal temples of Upper Egypt in Luxor and Aswan. Featuring deluxe hotel accommodation throughout and a 7-night Nile cruise on the 5-star Sonesta Moon Goddess, with the comfort of a private veranda with each cabin.

Highlights of this tour:

Marvel at the treasures in the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo
Cruise the waters of the Nile at a more leisurely pace with a 7-night deluxe Nile Cruise on the Sonesta Moon Goddess – each cabin having its own private verandah from which you can admire the lands of ancient Pharaohs drifting by.
Cruise around the enchanting islands of Aswan on a traditional felucca boat
Discover the hidden treasures of the Valley of the Kings including the tomb of the famous boy king, Tutankhamum
Visit the Valley of the Queens with a special visit to the very beautiful, well-preserved tomb of Queen Nefertari (strictly limited to 100 visitors per day)

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1 – Friday: Cairo (D)

Welcome to Egypt. You will be met inside immigration by one of our wonderful Cairo based airport team and assisted with visa formalities by our local airport representative. Gain your first experience of Egypt as you are transferred to the deluxe Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, located in the Giza area. Take the opportunity this evening to meet your travel companions with a welcome dinner at 6.30pm.

Day 2 – Saturday: Cairo (BL)

A day to remember! The ancient capital of Memphis and the enduring monuments of Sakkara will have their secrets revealed by your private Egyptologist guide. Explore the sand strewn temples and tombs then transfer to the 9-Pyramids lounge, located directly on the Pyramids plateau, for lunch. This afternoon discover the incomparable Pyramids of Giza and mysterious Sphinx. The largest and oldest pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khufu over 3800 years ago.

Day 3 – Sunday: Cairo – Luxor (B)

This morning check-out of your hotel. Continue to explore the most illustrious sites of ancient Egypt, with your personal Egyptologist guide. Visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, GEM. This project has been under construction for over a decade. Previously displayed items belonging to this famed boy-King will be on display for the first time. The GEM currently has a ”soft opening”, so your tour will focus on the entrance and lobby with various statues on display. (A fuller tour will be included if the GEM has opened). Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival transfer to the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, it was here that Howard Carter announced from the hotel’s grand staircase, that he had discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Time to explore Luxor in your own time. This evening, dine at one of the many restaurants at the hotel or explore Luxor in your own time.

Day 4 – Monday: Luxor (BLD)

Optional: Hot Air Balloon Tour. Entry is via climbing over the balloon basket.

This morning is more leisurely. Transfer to embark on your Nile Cruise boat, the deluxe Sonesta Moon Goddess, by midday. Lunch is served on board. This afternoon visit the East Bank to view the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Return to the ship for dinner this evening.

Day 5 – Tuesday: Luxor – Esna (BLD)

This morning after an early breakfast, cross the Nile to the West Bank to the Valley of the Kings where you’ll find the tombs of the Theban rulers, such as Ramses II and Tutankhamun, (upgraded entrance fees are included to the Tutankhamun Tomb). Continue to the Valley of the Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. See the famed Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Today a very special visit is included to the beautiful tomb of Queen Nefertari. (Strictly limited to 100 visitors per day).

On your return (time permitting) stop at the Habibi Cotton Factory, which employs employment for local women to view high quality cotton artwork and clothing. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Esna. This evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party, where “mocktails” are served, followed by dinner on board.

Day 6 – Wednesday: Esna – Kom Ombo (BLD)

Early this morning sail to Edfu. Breakfast on board and free time prior to mid-morning sailing to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Temple of Kom Ombo shared by two Gods Sobek and Haeroris With insights into the heliocentric solar system, surgical instruments and crocodile mummies, this temple is unforgettable. This evening, attend the Galabeya party, with the option to purchase a Galabeya locally, or hire on board.

Day 7 – Thursday: Kom Ombo – Aswan (BLD)

This morning sail to Aswan. Highlights today will include a visit to the Aswan Dam at the end of Lake Nasser, the re-sited Temple of Philae and the granite quarries which provided stone for Karnak & Luxor Temples. Return to the ship for a leisurely lunch. This afternoon sail by felucca (Egyptian Sailboat) around Kitchener Island. Return to the ship for afternoon tea. This evening at 7.30pm, attend a colourful Nubian Folkloric show.

Day 8 – Friday: Aswan (BLD)

Day at leisure to explore Aswan.

Optional: Abu Simbel Tour
Very early morning transfer to the airport and fly to Abu Simbel. On arrival transfer to the entrance and from here walk into this amazing complex to view the magnificent Temples of Ramses II. These celebrate this mighty Pharaoh often regarded as the greatest of all the pharaohs (also known as Ozymandias by the ancient Greeks) and Queen Nefertari a famed Queen and diplomat in her own right. Marvel at the amazing engineering that saved the temples from a watery grave below Lake Nasser. At the conclusion of your tour walk to the exit for your airport transfer and flight to Aswan and return to the Nile Cruise.

This afternoon transfer to the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel, where Dame Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile, for High Tea on the Terrace, overlooking the spectacular Nile. Transfer back to the ship for the captain’s cocktail party and dinner.

Day 9 – Saturday: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu (BLD)

This morning is at leisure with time to explore Aswan. Lunch on board then sail along the Nile with the opportunity to view fertile banks, and timeless farming practices. Later relax on board, revisit the Kom Ombo Temple or take time to explore the local village. Sail to Edfu for an overnight. This evening relax on the upper deck, or attend a Galabeya Party.

Day 10 – Sunday: Edfu – Luxor (BLD)

Early this morning, visit the remains from the Old Kingdom, the Temple of Horus, and houses of the Byzantine period. Sail to Luxor. This evening attend a Whirling Dervish & Belly Dance Show. Dinner on board and overnight in Luxor.

Day 11 – Monday: Luxor – Cairo (B)

This morning transfer to Luxor Airport. Fly to Cairo. On arrival you will be met by our Cairo Airport team. Depart to visit the Coptic Christian Churches. The Coptic Museum houses many beautiful artefacts and artworks that celebrate the Egyptian contribution to Christianity and the influence of the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures. Continue to the deluxe Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel where you are reserved for two nights.

Day 12 – Tuesday: Cairo (BD)

Today explore Cairo including the Egyptian Museum of Civilizations which spans 5,000 years of history, the Mohamad Ali Mosque and Citadel and finally visit the Khan El Khalili Bazaar where bargains abound. A farewell dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Day 13 – Wednesday: Cairo (B)

Reflect on your amazing journey through the centuries as you are driven through Cairo to the airport for your departure and your next experiences.

TOUR INCLUSIONS: EGYPT

Meet and assist inside immigration in Cairo
Egyptian visa on arrival
All airport transfers
Modern air-conditioned vehicles for transfers & transportation
All sightseeing with a private, licensed Egyptologist in Egypt
Activities & entrance fees as per itinerary
Special additional upgraded West Bank visits to the tomb of King Tutankhamun and the exclusive tomb of Queen Nefertari
A bottle of water available on board each touring day in Cairo
Economy class domestic flights: Cairo/Luxor/Cairo
Accommodation with private facilities
- 2 nights at the Four Seasons Residence Hotel
- 7 nights on the Sonesta Moon Goddess, with private verandas
- 2 nights at the deluxe Sofitel Gezirah
Daily buffet breakfasts
All meals on Nile Cruise
Other meals as specified in itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Porterage
Innovative Travel ‘s pre tour travel guidelines and tips
24/7 Support from our Egyptian offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International Airfares
Other optional tours as specified.
Tipping: Egypt USD130 per person & Jordan USD50 per person to be prepaid prior to departure
Tipping for non-included group activities
Extra hotel charges (minibar or any other service)
Meals not specified
Pre & Post tours or hotel accommodation
Departure taxes (if applicable)
Port taxes and fuel surcharges (if applicable)
Local tourism tax (if applicable)
Early checkin/late checkout
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION – Day 13 to Day 18

Extend your holiday with an Optional Jordan 6D/5N small group tour

Day 13 – Wednesday: Cairo – Amman (BD)

This morning is at leisure until your mid-morning transfer. Reflect on your amazing journey through the centuries as you are transferred to Cairo International Airport. Connect with your international flight to Amman.

Welcome to Jordan. On arrival at Amman Airport, you will be met inside immigration by our local representative and receive your Jordanian visa on arrival, then transferred to join your tour in Amman.

This afternoon, drive to Jerash, the best-preserved city of Roman times, to visit its theatres, temples, churches and colonnaded streets. Then continue to Ajloun to tour the 12th century Saracen Castle built by one of Saladin’s lieutenants in the campaign against the Crusaders. Check-in to the Kempinski Hotel where you are reserved overnight. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Day 14 – Thursday: Amman – Madaba – Mt Nebo – Kerak – Petra (BD)

Drive southwards along the Kings’ Way to Petra, visiting Madaba with the oldest map of the Holy Land, and its Mosaic School, Mt. Nebo and the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley; then drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak to visit the Crusader Castle (stop for optional lunch). Continue to Petra for two nights at the Old Village Hotel. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel. Optional Petra by Night tour.

Day 15 – Friday: Petra (BD)

A full day to visit the many sites of Petra, this city that was carved into the rose-red Sharah Mountains by the Nabateans and lost to Civilization until re-discovered by the Swiss Burkhardt. Walk through the Siq, a narrow and winding fissure between the cliffs, to reach the Treasury, the Roman Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. A break for optional lunch, or you may wish to climb up to the Monastery. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 16 – Saturday: Petra – Wadi Rum – Dead Sea (BD)

Today travel south to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia rode across the desert with his Arab liberation army. Take an adventurous, off-road desert 4WD ride through this impressive moon-like landscape, with its dramatic canyons and dunes. Lunch en-route, own cost. Later travel through some spectacular scenic desert hilly terrain to the Dead Sea where accommodation has been reserved for two nights at the Movenpick Hotel. This afternoon, there will be an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the ancient waters and float in the Dead Sea, or perhaps sample a spa treatment. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 17 – Sunday: Dead Sea (BD)

At leisure at the Dead Sea. Farewell dinner this evening at your hotel.

Day 18 – Monday: Dead Sea – Amman (B)

This morning check-out of your hotel. Departure transfer to the Airport.

Option to extend your stay in Amman.

TOUR INCLUSIONS: JORDAN (Optional Extension Day 13-Day 18)

Economy Flight from Cairo to Amman
Meet and assist inside immigration at Amman Airport
Jordanian visa on arrival in Amman
All transfers on air-conditioned coach
Licensed Jordanian Tour guide.
1 night Amman at the five-star Kempinski Hotel
2 nights Petra at the five-star traditional style Old Village Hotel
2 nights Dead Sea at the five-star Movenpick Hotel
Breakfast daily
2 dinners in Petra
2 dinners at the Dead Sea
Porterage for included activities.
Innovative Travel ‘s pre tour travel guidelines and tips
24/7 Support with our local Jordan office

Accommodation based on the following or similar:

Cairo Pyramids

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence (Superior Room) – 2 nights

Luxor

Sofitel Winter Palace (Classic Room) – 1 night

7 Night Deluxe Nile Cruise Luxor / Luxor

Sonesta Moon Goddess (Deluxe Cabin Main Deck) – 7 nights

Cairo City

Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah (Premium Room)- 2 nights

Amman (Jordan Optional Extension)

Kempinski Hotel – 1 night

Petra (Jordan Optional Extension)

Old Village Hotel – 2 nights

Dead Sea (Jordan Optional Extension)

Movenpick Resort Dead Sea – 2 nights

Cruising the Nile
Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available

There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.

Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English speaking guide and small group of other English speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.

Sightseeing (non cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat

Valley of the Kings: Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2019, Ramadan should begin around 05 May. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

Domestic Flights in Egypt.
Flight times will reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.
Note, Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operators control

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Hotels
Hotels in regional areas (i.e Abu Simbel/ Siwa/ St Catherine ) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres, with more basic/ less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 9995pp ^*